“It was a short life, but obviously she made big impressions on people,” said Lise Ouellette, Ashley’s mother.

Lise Ouellette said she was overwhelmed by support from the community 15 years after Ashley’s death.

“That’s comforting that people still think about her,” Lise Ouellette said.

The teen was last seen at the home of two of her friends in 1999. Her body was found early the next morning.

“You always think about what could have been even though you shouldn’t,” Lise Ouellette said. “you can’t help it. You’re a mother.”

Angie Presby, a childhood friend, said the bench dedicated to Ashley in front of the school should serve as a reminder to other teenagers.

“You want to know where your kids are for this very reason,” Presby said. “Ashley’s mom thought she was going one place and she wasn’t. That’s really unfortunate.”

“I just found it so hard to believe that someone could hurt that girl,” said Kate Timberlake, an English teacher. “I still get upset when I think about it.”

Loved ones said they are hoping state lawmakers consider the need for Maine’s first cold case homicide unit.

“You’ve got somebody out there who’s still out there today and it’s not just my case, there’s other cases,” Lise Ouellette said.

A bill that would create a cold case homicide unit is making its way through committees at the state capitol. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Stephen Stanley.

“Lots of times teenagers keep secrets because that’s what you do, but now they’re 30 years old and many of them are parents, and it’s time. If somebody knows something, they really need to step up,” Timberlake said.